A dull day turns good.

A manual handling study day is not the most exciting thing in the world, in anyones world. But on the plus side it meant i was around the corner from the Cardiff beer shop mentioned in previous posts. Seeing as i worked all over New Year on nights i thought a little treat was in order.

So...

Paulaner Oktoberfest - never had an oktoberfest beer, there was a choice of 3 but i choose this one.
De Koninck Belgian beer
Samuel Smith Old brewery pale ale - yup i went for another Sam Smith, well actually 3 of them!!
Samuel Smith India Ale
Samuel Smith Imperial Stout
Durham Brewery Evensong - where as last time they had a few of this brewery's bottles and i was, on ChrisM  advice hoping to get their stout Temptation, but this was the only bottle left on the shelf! not complaining i'm sure it'll be good stuff.
Marble Dobber
Aecht Schlenkerla Rauchbier  Marzen and Urbock. - smoked beers, i felt the need to try these, why not?

Again there was alot of choice, i was almost tempted by the Cantillon gueuze but it was a bit pricey, next time i will pick up an Afflingem blond, and Westmalle tripel, and they had the Australian Coopers sparkling ale which i almost took off the shelf this morning.

The Durham Brewery - Cloister

I have had one beer from the Durham Brewery before, a bottle of St. Cuthbert, which was a very enjoyable very hoppy IPA.
Cloister is a 4.5% bitter, a lovely golden yellow in colour with beautiful fluffy big head, see the picture below.
There is a bright fresh hoppy aroma, a little floral too. Wonderful citrus hops and balanced malt undertone, and bitterness that flows down the throat. This is a really good beer, although it kinda cooled down with all its intensity as the pint went on quite noticeably. Still very enjoyable and i'll keep an eye out for their beer's.